Content

This unit examines the changing nature of regionalism in international politics. We begin by examining the theoretical approaches to regionalism from early functionalist approaches to the constructivist ‘New Regionalism’ theory. We will then assess the development of regional cooperation in three main areas; economics; politics; and, security and defence. Key regional organisations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Central Asia as well as emerging groupings will be examined and compared. The unit will focus on the nature of regional engagement in these areas and reasons as to the divergence in regionalism among the regions.